ADC Sokoto affirms Keegan as chairman, suspends three others

Sokoto State Executive Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reaffirmed Alhaji Bello Isiyaku Keegan as the authentic and duly recognised chairman of the party in the state.

The decision was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday after an emergency meeting of the committee held on December 10, 2025. The statement was jointly signed by 25 out of the 33 members of the state executive council.

According to the resolution, the vote of confidence became necessary to “maintain unity, stability and organisational discipline” within the party. The exco noted that Keegan’s reaffirmation reflects its collective resolve to strengthen internal democracy and uphold the core values of the ADC.

The committee also announced the indefinite suspension of three state officers — State Secretary, Yusuf Alkali; Assistant State Financial Secretary (Central Zone), Abu Galadima; and State Publicity Secretary, Bortala Ali.

Their suspension, the statement said, followed investigative findings linking them to alleged anti-party activities, breach of trust and conduct considered capable of undermining the party’s integrity.

“These actions are necessary to safeguard the stability and progress of the ADC in Sokoto State. Acts capable of jeopardising the party’s unity will not be tolerated,” the statement added.

The executive committee also issued a stern warning to one Umar Farouk Mohammed, cautioning him to stop parading himself as chairman of the ADC in Sokoto State. His actions were described as “fraudulent, illegal and an attempt to mislead the public.”

The statement was signed by the Deputy Chairman of the ADC in the state, Alhaji Bello Haruna Illela, on behalf of the 25 executive members.

The ADC in Sokoto State has in recent months been enmeshed in internal disputes over leadership claims, with factions emerging around the state chairman position. Party insiders say tensions intensified after disagreements over the conduct of recent meetings and allegations of parallel leadership structures.

The emergency meeting which produced Tuesday’s resolution was convened to address the growing confusion and reassert control, following what the exco described as “acts capable of destabilising the party.”

The reaffirmation of Keegan’s leadership is seen as the executive committee’s attempt to restore order ahead of upcoming activities and prevent further internal fragmentation.